Get Knowledgable about Indoor Gases

Carbon Monoxide (CO) — Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, life-threatening gas that may be fatal, and can result in flu-like symptoms over time. You can read more about this dangerous gas on our Carbon Monoxide page.

Natural Gas — Natural gas is normally safe, but it can potentially pose a threat if a pilot light is out in a stove, a gas fireplace, or a furnace, or if there is a leak. Thankfully, natural gas does have an odor that is strong, making it easier to notice. The gas itself is not poisonous. The problem is that natural gas is heavier than oxygen, and displaces the oxygen we breathe, leading to asphyxiation. It can also gather in the basement, and—under the right circumstances—explode. No. Not good. Go purchase a natural gas detector. They’re not expensive and a cinch to operate. If you smell gas, don’t turn lights or appliances on or off, as even a small electrical current could ignite an explosion. Leave the area immediately and call your Saint Charles natural gas utility.

Radon — Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that can only be detected by testing. This radioactive gas comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It’s found in much of North America, though some locations have much higher concentrations. Unmitigated radon may cause cancer, and is to blame for 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually. A simple do-it-yourself air test can determine what your radon level is. If levels exceed the recommendations, a radon reduction contractor can assist with a solution.

Other Gases and Vapors — Other gases and vapors are released from vehicles in the garage, from tobacco use, from cleaning products, and the more than 300 chemicals used in household furnishings, construction materials, carpeting, flooring, and paints. All of these may produce odors and gasses that can irritate our respiratory systems, and could intensify asthma and allergies.

Tips — Here are some recommendations to help control exposure to gasses, fumes and odors:

Be sure your home includes proper ventilation. Call us for a free ventilation system analysis.

Install a carbon monoxide detector, a natural gas detector, and be sure to test the radon levels in your home.

Keep interior doors closed that access the garage, and leave the garage door open at least 5 minutes after a car enters or leaves.

If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, extinguish all burning embers before shutting the flue.

Leave the door open to any room that does not have a return vent.

Eliminate tobacco smoke in the home.

Use non-toxic or organic cleaning products.

Call Golden Seal Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Saint Charles at 630-246-2698 for a Home Health Report to learn about how we can help protect you and have the highest indoor air quality possible. We offer quality equipment choices, knowledge and expert service—for all makes and models, 24 hours a day.

Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning was established
with the understanding of providing
customers with the most excellent heating and cooling
practices in the industry. Since its inception,
Golden Seal Service Experts in Saint Charles has been devoted to our region, providing
the best HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) products and services in
the area. If you are interested in more information
about your local HVAC leaders, give us a call at 630-246-2698 or schedule
an appointment with us through our website.